A happy employee is a productive one, which is why it is essential workspaces are light, appealing, and ideally, paragons of energy-efficiency. These characteristics were very much to the fore when it came to building one of the largest distribution hubs in the UK, which included 13,000m2 of Energysaver GRP composite rooflights from the UK and Ireland’s leading rooflight manufacturer, Brett Martin. . Home to a leading homeware retailer, the huge 111,000m2 warehouse at Central Park in Avonmouth covers an impressive amount of ground. In fact, it’s thought to be the biggest single building in the south west; the equivalent size of 15 Wembley Stadiums. Central to the design of the £100m building was a rooflight solution that minimised the use of artificial lighting and reduced running costs associated with such an enormous building. The specification for the 80mm-thick composite panel roof included 13,000m2 of Brett Martin GRP Trilite Energysaver rooflights to bathe the building in natural sunlight and achieve an excellent U-value of 1.3W/m²K.  For a project of such magnitude, it is testament to the skills and dedication of ‘full-envelope’ contractor, FK Group, and the usability of the factory-assembled Brett Martin insulating rooflights (FAIRs) that the warehouse application was completed within an impressive 16-week timeframe. The FAIRs were built-up using a Trilite GRP sheet (3.0kg/m2) to ensure fast, reliable weatherproofing and allow the highest-quality natural daylight into the interior of this widespan building. “High performance, trouble-free Energysaver rooflights used at the Range Warehouse are one of the most cost effective ways of getting natural light into wide span buildings,” commented David Biggs, Commercial Director at Brett Martin Daylight Systems. “Energysaver rooflights are the go-to solution for introducing daylight into these building types, increasing worker productivity and helping warehouses meet their energy efficiency targets.” GRP allows an even spread of daylight, illuminating the warehouse while eliminating the risk of hot spots and solar glare which could disturb the retailer’s staff. A revelation in terms of quality and invention, Brett Martin’s Energysaver composite panel rooflights are innovative triple-skin FAIRs for composite roofs manufactured from GRP. Designed to the same depth as the composite roofing system, Energysaver's flat liner panel sits flush with surrounding metal panels for excellent aesthetics and a neater, trim internal appearance. Delivering U-values from 1.9W/m²K down to 0.9W/m²K, they offer high quality diffused natural daylight, thermal performance and ready-to-fit convenience for widespan buildings. Science supports the benefits of natural daylight in inspiring an uplifting effect upon those exposed to its rays, particularly in workspaces. Rooflights help facilitate this ‘real’ feel good factor, offering an attractive solution to daylighting requirements whilst providing the required insulation values which allow buildings to meet energy saving targets and reduce running costs. Brett Martin has taken rooflight provision to new heights. How so? Well, it not only designs a wide range of rooflight systems to deliver optimum performance, durability, safety and regulation standards – it offers superior technical support, detailed installation instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure systems perform as promised, and work alongside all other roofing elements. The use of in-plane GRP rooflights from Brett Martin more than played its part in the design and performance of Avonmouth’s ‘super-warehouse’. It’s a shining example of how a building and its occupants perform better in the natural light. Visit: http://www.brettmartin.com  

Distinguishing your company from competitors can be a challenge, especially now tradespeople can easily enrol on courses to give their business that defining edge. But often, these courses fail to strike a crucial balance between time onsite and time in the classroom, meaning that participants walk away with less practical knowhow than they had originally hoped. Fortunately enough Baumit, leading experts in external wall insulation and façade systems, offer exceptional courses tiered at bronze, silver and gold level. Designed to educate participants on a broad range of EWI installations and practices, these courses provide vital theoretical and practical experience in façade systems, creating an essential balance between the two.  A true success since opening in February 2018, Ben Warren, Managing Director at Baumit, reflects on the year, giving some insight into the academy’s future plans for 2019 and beyond.   What’s on offer at the academy? Here at Baumit, one of our key drivers is to make beautiful, healthy homes for people to live in. Whether that is striking exteriors or interiors, we provide solutions that ensure buildings are made to last. This philosophy, to give relevant tradespeople the opportunity to create better spaces for their clients, is at the heart of our on-site, purpose-built training academy based at Baumit HQ Aylesford, Kent. Yet, the other element of our academy is, of course, to enable companies to add another area of expertise to their business. Not only are companies providing their customers with the most reliable and advanced EWI solutions on the market, they are widening their individual skillsets, adding vital strings to their bow. As such, the 62 people who have walked through Baumit’s doors to complete either a bronze, silver or gold course have gone on to significantly improve their offerings. Those who finished the bronze course have expanded their practical and theoretical rendering knowledge and plan on returning to participate in the silver course to become a Baumit-approved installer. For those who have become Baumit-certified, on completion of the gold course, they are now looking to work with us in the future as Baumit-approved partners. We have developed these courses to reflect the industry’s evolving diversity. Our programme range is designed to meet everyone’s criteria; whether you are starting out in EWI or want to grow and develop your business to work with one of the largest EWI manufacturers in the world. These site-based scenarios provide hands-on, ‘real-life experience’ in dealing with regular challenges faced by installers.  What’s next for the academy? Looking into the future of Baumit’s training academy, there are plenty of exciting prospects emerging on our horizons. First and foremost, we wish to build on the great foundations we have laid, as the training academy has been an even greater success than we initially hoped. In its current form, the academy is at the stage it needs to be; everyone who participates in the courses comments on how their experiences are unlike any other programmes they have completed, and are extremely impressed with the course content. We invested a huge amount of time refining the course structure, so we hope to continue in this strain to ensure we create the best learning environment for our participants. In terms of the future, we hope to continue to attract new people to the course, where another key focus will be on previous applicants and people in associated trades. We have plans to widen our pool of interest, encouraging the latter to apply to the silver or gold course to become future partners and give clients the most supreme EWI solutions on the market. Another larger ambition is to get the course into colleges, to define a new generation of tradespeople using Baumit’s application and products. Although this will take some time and investment, one day we hope to teach students a new way to hone their skills, inspiring future generations of EWI installers. Lastly, we have to give attention where it is due to course leader Chris Kendall, Field Engineer at Baumit. With 30 experience working as a contractor, Chris has been at Baumit since March 2017 and is a crucial part of the training academy. His expertise, experience, and constructive teaching techniques are second to none, where his involvement has been hugely instrumental in the current success of the training academy. This year has been fantastic for the Baumit Training Academy. We have developed and grown as an educational hub and are glad to be offering some of the best EWI courses in the UK, which will hopefully continue to be a success throughout 2019 and well into the future. For more information on Baumit Training Academy see: http://info.baumit.co.uk/baumit-academy-courses

Since the construction giant Carillion’s liquidation at the beginning of the year, the government has released regulations to target late payers in the public sector in an attempt to resolve the delayed payment crisis. In light of this government order released a few months ago by Parliamentary Secretary Oliver Dowden, private sector clients and developers have been asked to follow suit in order to assure transparency and reliability across the entire sector. But what are the solutions to stop delayed payments from occuring? Matthew Jones, CEO of Open ECX, discusses how the industry might tackle this issue collectively to put better payment processes into practice. Recent government intervention in lieu of Carillion’s collapse exemplifies how much of a grave inconvenience delayed payments can be, especially if left unresolved. In effect, government measures will make it easier for subcontractors to report poor payment methods to the authorities. In an ideal world, no business wants to add to the stress already evident during the invoice and payment process, whether large or small scale. Although delayed payments can occur for a variety of reasons, whether related to unsolicited administrative errors or employee illness, contractors should still strive to make the subcontractor payment process as easy and straightforward as possible. In order to prevent late payments, the government will offer advisory, constructive workshops to help companies with their project management and payment plans. Solutions such as these should help prevent any delayed payments, allowing contractors the time to consider the impact of their delay and providing contractors with helpful advice to better manage their current payment processes. Overall, this initiative will ensure employees and businesses will not suffer as a consequence.   Even though the Carillion collapse is a stand-alone case, nonetheless, it begs several questions on how and why payments were so late. But moving forward, it is important to identify key solutions to prevent further financial catastrophes from occuring. All contractors desire a risk-free environment in which their payment processes are rigorous, safe and reliable; such solutions allow contractors to be more organised and efficient with their payments, preventing any late payments from slipping beneath the surface. A potential solution is to digitise all payment and invoice processes so that contractors pay their subcontractors in a timely fashion whilst maintaining a healthy, risk-free environment for themselves. Designed for medium to large contractors, WebContractor is a useful tool which manages the subcontractor applications for payment process, as well as other subcontractor concerns; insurances and bonds, self-billing invoices, authenticated VAT receipts, minor works, work order instructions for example, offering a great solution for the industry as a whole. Subcontractors access an online portal for easy and timely submission of payment applications while contractors take advantage of the workflow and reminder features designed to streamline the management of approvals. For contractors, this is a great support mechanism, designed to enhance visibility, control and compliance of the subcontractor application process, lightening the associated administrative workload. Not only do digital processes alleviate any messy paperwork from mounting up, they ensure both contractor and subcontractor are kept up to date with payments and invoices.  Contractors benefit from increased efficiencies, improved clarity around cash flow, and a far more accurate understanding of their liabilities at any given time. Potential risks, such as litigation, can be potentially avoided, as a thorough, reliable system such as WebContractor has been employed. Subcontractors gain visibility of the progress of their various applications for payment – something that will help them with their business planning. Applications for payment are securely stored for subcontractors and contractors to access payment applications at any given time. Time is always of the essence especially in terms of managing cash flow, meaning digital platforms are a sensible and necessary solution to combating late payments. With the right technology, processes associated with applications for payment can become efficient, standardised, transparent and quick. Most importantly, the automation of these processes can allow for tracking and management across the whole supply chain, which reduces risk and helps to build a clear and transparent picture of the finances affecting the business. Digitised systems for management of subcontractor invoices are the solution to stop late payments from occuring. Whilst the government’s recent measures must be recognised as offering an opportunity for both the public and private sector to push for change in the industry, services such as WebContractor are a tangible, accessible method to ensure contractors keep on top of the multiple payments they have to process each month. Given subcontractors can send payment applications directly, without the need for manual submissions, it improves accuracy, hastens the process and eliminates time costs as well as lost paperwork. Enhancing methods for managing applications for payment across the sector will benefit the industry’s credibility plus the health of all businesses operating within the sector. Even though it was a dark time for the construction industry, many positive lessons for the future can be learnt from Carillion’s collapse. Seeing the implementation of government intervention signifies the level of support it is willing to give the industry. But internal measures must also be taken by the industry itself, where digital application for payment and subcontractor management platforms are a worthy solution. Not only do these systems ensure subcontractors get paid on time, they reduce risk to contractors’ businesses. Turning to more rigorous, digital payment processes will preserve contractor and subcontractor integrity and the wider construction industry as a whole. Visit:  www.openecx.co.uk  

Not our usual kind of construction blog but we at talk.build thought this was a fun event and deserved an airing. We hope you agree What happens when waste management and rugby collide? A kicking extravaganza, as it turns out! Back in July, Championship rugby team London Irish hosted a kicking competition with their main sponsors, waste management experts Powerday. Skips and wheelie bins, all varying in size, were set up as targets for the players, making for an interesting spectacle. If you’re intrigued to see who came out on top, take a look at the video below. Video https://adtrak-3.wistia.com/medias/lu8ba5csdo Powerday provided skips and wheelie bins of varying sizes to serve as targets - the smaller the target, the higher the score. The players then battled it out to see who could come out on top, with each player getting three attempts to build up points. It’s certainly harder than it looks. If you think you could best the professionals, why don’t you try your hand at the online game, London Irish’s Rugby Kick Challenge? Warning: it’s highly addictive! The game is sponsored by Powerday and allows you to choose one of 10 players to take 10 kicks with. Go for the gold skip for 10 points, or the blue skips for 5 points each. Watch the direction bar and click at the right moment to hit the skips. Happy kicking. Play the Game - https://www.powerday.co.uk/rugby-kick-challenge/ Don’t forget to share your score on Facebook and Twitter to stake your claim to the skip-kicking crown.  

Time is of the essence in business, particularly the roofing business, writes Mahroof Hussain, Area Technical Manager at Sika-Trocal. Delays, however minimal, incurred during commercial new-build or refurbishment projects can lead to unexpected costs to the client. When someone falls behind schedule in a multi-trade works programme, the knock-on effect can be disastrous. If a roof’s waterproofing is held-up, interior works are also likely to be delayed with the building not being weatherproof. This means the installation of floors, walls, electrics, plumbing and the like are also put on hold. The overall effect of this type of stalling could set a project back weeks and months, rather than hours or days.  Rapid development Product innovation and the streamlining of the building process itself is vital to helping contractors, developers, etc, fulfil the project expectations. Sika-Trocal’s Type S waterproof membrane presents a fine example of a system created specifically for the 21st century roofing market. Suitable for new and refurbishment projects, the Type S system uses dedicated Sika-Trocal laminated discs to fasten the membrane and the insulation to the substrate. Mechanical fixing has been proven to speed-up the roof waterproofing process by up to 30%. The improved application time is due to solvent-welding methods devised to fuse the overlapping membrane rolls; a practice pioneered by Sika in the UK. Employing this process, rather than the more traditional heat-welding method, also results in a neater, more attractive waterproof finish. Heat welding requires a temperature of more than 350°C in order to successfully fuse membrane layers. Although there is no naked flame involved, in inexperienced hands a membrane is at risk of discoloration using this method. Mechanically- fixed, solvent-welded membranes also require less equipment to install. This benefit, along with its time-saving attributes which reduce on-site working hours, means the Type S system helps cut pollution caused by machine-based emissions. Wind resistant  The Type S system comprises of a vapour control layer, insulation and membrane which is held in place by Sika-Trocal discs. These are spot-welded to the membrane. The fixings allow the whole system to be mechanically-fastened to a roof’s structural deck. The added strength this provides makes the Type S membrane an ideal waterproof solution for roofs located in exposed areas where high wind uplift is a common hazard. Speed of installation and reliable, long-term performance are the properties which attract contractors and renowned commercial brands to specify Sika-Trocal’s Type S. Supermarket stores nationwide have historically been fitted with the system. Its rapid delivery minimises disruption to businesses, hence its specification in September for a new supermarket site where its installation across a 600m2 roof area was completed in just  three days. The system’s speedy installation doesn’t compromise its quality, however. It is why Sika-Trocal’s Type S system is the rapid, long-term solution when it comes to waterproof roofing. Visit: www.sika.co.uk

Colour is in vogue in lieu of recent research into colour psychology. These five points will illustrate how and why businesses can inject colour into a building’s exterior in order to enhance and reflect a business’s identity writes   Ben Warren, Managing Director at Baumit. A colour scheme not only has to complement the space, colour choice is crucial to the people or business inhabiting the area. Whether businesses are selecting their own colours, or have a designer specifying a particular scheme, colour is still an important consideration. The following five points illustrate how businesses can make colour work for their spaces: Signify business identity As first encounters are inherently based on visual appearance, colour can be the distinguishing aspect of a business. Although there is a huge weight on the importance of colour, it is important to not feel intimidated by this process. Choosing the colour or colour scheme which reflects an organisation’s ethos is not an easy task, especially when it is designed to complement a business’s identity. Whilst it takes time to determine a colour scheme, it can be a rewarding process which allows businesses to really get to grips with who they are and what they do. Market business identity   Every colour has the capability to leave a lasting impression. Although it is important to select attractive colours, it is also worthwhile to use colour to market business identity. A clear, consistent identity speaks volumes on the aims, objectives and approaches of a business. Unclear and random colours set a confusing image for a business’s brand. Keep employees happy One of the misconceptions about colour is that it only affects mood; in fact, colours shape our physical, emotional and mental state. Typically, blue is known for its stillness and its ability to affect our frame of mind. However, different tones of blue have different meanings. For instance, a light blue will calm the mind and create the feeling of stillness, whereas a more saturated blue would stimulate the mind. If businesses want to utilise colours to increase employee wellbeing and productivity they need to: assess the tasks of the employees, how long they spend in the space and what they want to achieve in that space. Does the employee’s job require a calming environment or a stimulating one? If they are dealing with difficult phone calls all day perhaps a lighter, calming blue would suit the environment, but if they are focusing on mundane tasks for long periods a brighter blue might be preferable. For instance, an office space would be designed differently to a canteen if the required outcome was different. Happy employees say a lot about the business it is representing and having spaces that suit the requirements, whether within interiors or on exterior façades, makes a clear statement about a company’s relationship with its employees. Get support and invest time Selecting a provider who is an expert in colour technology is a crucial requirement. Injecting colour into a building which houses your business is a bold move. But, gaining the support of a provider who understands the technology and theory behind colour choice is a worthwhile investment. Take time to select the perfect colour. Businesses invest time and money developing and honing their strategies, and the same should apply when it comes to considering colour schemes. Follow the 60 – 30 – 10 rule This ratio is a well-known tool created by designers which businesses can choose to use or not. It just depends on whether some organisations require the added support. To ensure a colour scheme looks balanced and calculated, this 60 – 30 – 10 proportion is a useful device. It ensures that the colours are not out of place, nor are they random. Finding the right colours to complement a business’s identity can be a challenge. However, with the right amount of research, consideration and support, colour can be the defining aspect of a business. Whilst some might choose to go green to reinforce their focus on employee wellbeing, others might stay with more modest tones, such as whites and greys, and introduce a blue or yellow into the mix. Every business is different and that is why colour is a great option – it showcases individuality. Take time to find the right colours for your business and see what differences they make. Visit: https://baumit.co.uk

The devil is in the detail when it comes to roofing, it only takes a minor oversight to cause a major issue writes Ian Weston, General Manager at Aperture. A roof’s weathertight protection requires more than a membrane and insulation. A commercial project is likely to include a host of plant facilities such as solar panels, rooflights, air conditioning units and fire escapes. Such details can lead to damp and ingress penetration, and the waterproofing system’s failure, if not sealed correctly. Therefore, the need for a proven solution is essential in ensuring plant penetrations and the roof itself remains watertight.    Ideal solution As with most, if not all roofing projects, selecting the appropriate waterproofing system is crucial in applications involving a plethora of plant penetrations, PV panels, air conditioning units, rooflights which require regular maintenance. A single-ply solution where an array of plant materials is present is not advised. When exposed to foot traffic and equipment used during maintenance visits, single-ply membrane is susceptible to damage. This in-turn is likely to lead to leaks and costly, long-term performance issues. Evolution Construction sites are a combustive mix of toil, tools and trades; therefore it’s not unusual for elements of a project to be left to the last minute. However, when this comes to waterproofing details all sorts of problems can arise. This is where a company such as Aperture comes into its own. Originally set up to deal with penetrations in composite roof panels Aperture has evolved over its 17-year history in the industry to combat any type of roof detail and penetration. Aperture liquid coatings are compatible with a wide range of existing substrates including, but not limited to, bituminous systems, asphalt, single-ply, concrete, timber and metal-profiled sheets. The Aperture system has permanent elasticity with a durable finish. It is hand applied by directly employed operatives, with minimal disruption and once complete, it is maintenance-free. Approved by Kingspan for use with its systems, the Aperture solution is backed by its own BBA certificate. Awkward details Due to the compatibility with most substrates, the Aperture solution is ideal for solving the sorts of problems encountered on new-build projects. These can vary from interfaces between two non-compatible waterproofing systems, awkward access details and most commonly, service riser penetrations. The application is totally cold-applied. Based in Manchester, Aperture carries out several hundred projects across the UK each year. Its operatives are first-aid trained and qualified to a minimum SSSTS standard. This provides the client and employer with additional peace of mind whilst waterproof installation teams are on site. Originally formed in 2000, Aperture was headed by Mick Philbin who retired in April 2018. To ensure the company continued along its successful path, Mick worked closely with new General Manager, Ian Weston, for the first four months of 2018 to ensure a smooth transition. Speaking of his new position, Ian said Aperture’s success is based on its ability to react to any type of situation in a short period of time. He said: “I’m sure our customers see us as the ‘go-to’ people when a difficult waterproofing detail arises. It’s my intention to not only continue this service, but to build upon it and improve our customer base, whether it’s a multi-million pound new-build or refurbishment, or a small building conversion, Aperture has a huge range of solutions to deal with the seemingly minor details.” Visit: https://aperturesp.co.uk

Insulation is a common element found in many buildings – whether they are residential or commercial. They are versatile in purpose – they can act as a sound barrier between spaces, a method of maintaining heat and cold temperatures, which in and of itself can benefit clients in terms of energy savings on their bills. When you combine with the functionality of an insulated access panel, they increase the functionality and make it a choice for contractors. Insulation 101 To better understand insulation – it is essential to know that there are two types to choose from. Open cell and closed cell. Open cell insulations typically come in spray foam; however, due to its application, it has a lower R-value in comparison to closed cell insulations. Closed cell insulations are great in preventing moisture built-up, which means avoiding any chances of moulds etc. With closed cell insulation, these have a higher R-value, and when it comes access panels installed on the exterior of a building, clients want to ensure contractors go with a quality closed cell insulation. While it will be slightly higher in costs, the benefits are well worth it. Insulated access panels can provide structural protection; however, pair that with insulation and coating, then one has maximized its ability to be thoroughly functional and versatile. Why insulation? When clients think of insulation, they do not associate it with access panels; however, they are a great addition to access panels. Typically, insulation is believed to be found only between walls, ceilings and roofs; yet, insulated access panels can be located in the exterior access panel, soundproof panels, as well as floor, hatches that people seek to have an airtight seal. Insulation provides this added support and seal. While insulation can come in a batting form or spray, the choice of application and the added layer will indeed depend on the type of access door selected. For example, if your contractor chooses a drywall access panel, the chances are they may ensure that there is batting in and around the area, as well as ensuring that the access panel is insulated once installed. This can mean applying spray insulation around the panel itself. This further enhances the access panels functionality but also improves it as well for the client. Picking the perfect pair of panel and insulation Deciding on an access panel can be hard – as you want to ensure your panel choice matches your needs and functionality. When you factor in insulation and the type of application, it is important to consider what is the best way to install insulation or if it is a combination of both spray and batting. A knowledgeable contractor who is seasoned with insulation will know what the best choice is as well as the client's needs for space. While some think insulation is just meant to keep homes warm, or insulated – the reality is that insulation is sometimes underrated in their purpose. With access panels, they offer a new range of versatility as insulation only increases the functionality of the panel. Imagine a security or floor panel, while access panels are made with everything from plastic to steel, these materials are not known to regulate or insulate. When you include or factor in insulation, now that steel access panel is insulated and is able to do more than just be a security panel, it is an insulated security access panel. Visit: www.accessdoorsandpanels.com

Noisy air conditioning systems in workplaces can help to contribute to excessive background noise and can have a profound, negative impact on employee productivity, increasing stress and anxiety levels. It is serious enough for the Department for Health to warn that elevated workplace or environmental noise “can cause hearing impairment, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, annoyance and sleep disturbance.” Companies across the world are now looking seriously at ways to minimise such noise says Denis Kerr Sales Director at Krantz Limited, who makes an informed case as to why we should choose sophisticated air-distribution systems which minimise or even remove noisy acoustics at work, looking at why the right products can significantly help to improve the office environment. In modern office spaces and further afield, exposed ceilings and soffits are a prominent design trend. Whether developers choose to reveal ceiling beams for aesthetic purposes or turn to design-savvy solutions to keep costs to a minimum, exposed ceilings are a thing of the future for modern commercial spaces.   As exposed soffits are now a common design feature in such environments, it is crucial to manage acoustic levels accurately. Without the correct products to minimise such noise there is the risk of creating a harsh atmosphere, with a cacophony of different sounds ricocheting around the environment. The challenges It is important to keep acoustic levels controlled within these spaces, especially in environments where people work. The combination of higher ceilings, exposed services, computer monitors and human voices create an impractical environment, increasing stress levels in the workplace. With exposed soffits, there isn’t a natural method for the architecture to control or reduce acoustic levels; essentially there isn’t any material for sound absorption. The ceiling is completely revealed to the human eye, with its services (the fans, ductwork and lighting) on view they can directly contribute to the background noise levels resulting in a poor acoustic performance of the space. What are the options? Many elements come into play when managing a space’s acoustics, including the way air-conditioning systems are designed. To create a peaceful, workable and visually-engaging environment, the right air-distribution system must be selected. Some environments often require tailor-made, bespoke solutions to minimise noisy acoustics; there are, for example, these kinds of air-distribution systems in acoustically-sensitive buildings such as the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Germany. A concert hall on this scale demanded acoustically-advanced solutions; bespoke sound control was completely necessary in this location as noise could interfere with the artist’s focus and the paying audience’s enjoyment. But in terms of air-distribution systems for commercial spaces, products such as the Krantz AVACs system (Air Ventilation And Cooling system) keep acoustic interference to a minimum and can actively improve the space. These systems are designed to great detail and sophistication; they do not contain any moving mechanical parts so the systems cannot generate any noise. Through convective radiant panels, AVACs heat and cool without the use of a fan, completely removing the presence of disruptive sounds. All of the acoustic absorption can be hidden within the panelling, and they are acoustically-designed to reduce noise and improve the reverberation time of the space. More importantly, by selecting a multifunctional system which heats, cools and controls acoustics, the occupants’ comfort is not compromised. These systems distribute fresh air around a space, ensuring thermal and acoustic comfort, which is of particular significance to employee wellbeing and happiness. According to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that the annual cost to Europe from excessive noise levels is £30 billion. This extortionate sum accounts for lost working days, healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Acoustic control is a complete design necessity in commercial workspaces. Although exposed ceilings are perfect for new build and future retrofits and make maintenance easier, it is important to take all elements into consideration when planning an acoustically-sound space. In terms of air-distribution products, there are sophisticated, multifunctional solutions available on the market which, simultaneously, control acoustics and heat and cool spaces. As commercial office spaces tend to be acoustically-demanding areas, flexible, state-of-art air-distribution technologies should be a priority, particularly as they can assure thermal comfort without any unwanted background noise inconveniencing the occupants. Visit: http://www.krantzuk.com

Moving into a building should be a hitch-free experience but sadly not all building projects are handed over successfully writes Susan Lowrie. It’s often a case of simply a handover date rather than a process of transition where there is a transfer of knowledge from the project team to the building users. While most project teams want a smooth handover, buildings often don’t match the client’s intentions. How can we handover projects better and reduce the gap between designed and as-built performance? From the outset it is important to consider who is specifying the building and are they actually the people who are going to be using the building. Who is the client? Is it the person who might be saying we need a room here, a room there, or is it the person who is saying make it ten stories high? Or is the client the person who is going to have to maintain, use or access that building? One only has to look at a spectacular atrium built for an NHS hospital. A marvel to look at and filled with natural light, but had the designers thought how easy it was to simply change a lightbulb which didn’t involve scaffolding? Hospitals might also be designed for more patients but this at the expense of other spaces such as storage.  Managers don’t see the point of creating storage areas, while nurses do. It’s why a patient room ends up being used as an ad-hoc storage facility. Similarly, we might arrive at the point of handover, but the last step of securing an operator and maintenance manual doesn’t always happen. The handover could well be to the client team who were involved in the design but they are not the actual people who are using the building. So you might end up with a maintenance team who has never seen a fire alarm system working.No one has asked the question ‘are you happy with what is being handed over?’ It’s critical that we look at how we manage what we are left with as a building residual. Buildings that are handed-over may have an engineered design, but then down the line the people who are made aware of that engineered design no longer work there.  So what was an engineered design suddenly becomes a problem because the users want to change things as the building evolves. But the ability is not built-in to allow the building to evolve. A building will be designed to a specification but then you may well be speaking to the owner/manager of a building and not the user. There needs to a smooth transition from design to operation, along with the full support of designers and contractors, in order to fine-tune a building and ensure there is no gap between design intent and reality. The construction industry is after all a service industry delivering buildings to end users.  Visit: https://www.cbuilde.com